PGCE - Current Students Thread

My best advice would be let them know about any issues like this asap. Remember these are people that work in education, mostly ex teachers or even current on a break teachers so they on the whole should be understanding and supportive. All the tutors on my course certainly were.

Talk to others on your course to help you see that everyone is having similar stresses, it really helps!

Brace yourself for the says when they explain lots (first few days and placement prep days). These are fun and exciting, especially the first few days of the course (which are way less nerve wracking than you expect in the days before you start), but you also get a lot of information which can be overwhelming I.e. ONLY 14 DAYS TILL I GO ON PLACEMENT!!!!! or I HAVE TO DO 20 HOURS A WEEK?!?!?! or HOW MANY ESSAYS?!?!. But actually, when you do it, they do it small steps at a time and ease you in to it. They just give you all the information so you know what's coming. So try to keep calm in those and just focus on the things you need to do now, the others will come as you go along.

Also good luck, and have fun. Early years is amazing

Xxx

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You only have one (funded) chance, so my advice would be to defer/reject the PGCE and get your anxiety sorted before the PGCE. Alternatively, go for the PGCE but have a detailed plan of what to do if you get anxious in the middle of the PGCE (as in having your counsellor/psychologist updated, a list of actions you can do to reduce your anxiety if it happens in the middle of the lesson, etc). Also, I would talk with your counsellor to get his/her opinion on this. In my opinion, undergrad is a breeze compared to the PGCE in terms of commitments and workload. You want to maximise your chances of completing it successfully!

Hello. Thanks for coming to TSR to ask this. I'm going to echo what Juichiro says here. At the risk of making myself unpopular, my honest, candid opinion, based on 32 years of teaching and 8 years of being a subject mentor is: not yet. I think you are setting yourself up for a terrifying year if you start out on it without sorting out your anxiety issues before you embark on it. Teaching is a really tough job even when you are qualified, and the training is a baptism of fire. I have no reason to doubt that you will be able to make a go of it and be a fine teacher when the moment is right, but my answer is still: not yet.

It depends how your anxiety presents itself. I have anxiety and OCD (and other stuff too that is very well managed now) and I made it through but it was hard work. You'll have the standard worries intensified and there are already going to be a lot of worries.

I struggled to get going in the classroom because my anxiety was holding me back. It took a lot longer for my confidence to kick in and I struggled so much through placement one to make friends with my department and other teachers. I also spent so much time worrying about not being good enough or not producing good enough resources, or being assessed or having observations that I just got really stuck. I felt like a fraud pretending to be a teacher and my anxiety and OCD went insane.

If your anxiety is something gentle that you control well and have strategies for then go for it. If not, take that time out to figure everything out. I had those strategies and I still almost gave up half way through.

It's hard without anxiety, but with it you're really going to be pushing yourself out of that comfort zone/safe mindspace.

This probably isn't what you want to hear but you only get one chance at your pgce year and you don't want to blow it if there's any doubt at all that you aren't ready yet.

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Hey, I'm so glad we come across as a nice caring environment

I have anxiety and needed quite a lot of support and counselling during my undergraduate degree. I really felt sick and ill about starting my PGCE because of how intense it is supposed to be and I wasn't sure I was ready. I am also a perfectionist (and a Virgo but I don't follow all that stuff!) so knew I may be disheartened on the PGCE. So allow me to share my experiences...

The anxiety has not been easy to manage over the course of the year. It seemed like every single day presented a new challenge that I had to conquer in terms of my anxiety, and every single time I got an inch close to running away and literally walking out of school and quitting. Yet I never did. And each time that I stuck there and did whatever it was, I became stronger. Sorry this may end up being a cheesy paragraph, but I undoubtedly believe that the PGCE has helped my anxiety and my confidence issues. It is still there, but I feel like I have a strength in my head now that can help me against it. It is hard to explain.

But, I guess what I'm trying to say is that sure, it is easy to say wait until you get your anxiety sorted out, but I don't think anxiety really gets sorted out? If you know what I mean. Certainly I don't think mine will ever go away with any amount of meds or counselling. I think it is better to just face things head on and try them. I was always prepared to drop out if it became too much - it was always an option. I am glad that I did it. I did have a lot of counselling during my first placement and it without a doubt got me through it. I don't believe I'd have made it through without them. They were amazing. I've not had much success from counselling in the past but I hated my first placement school and saw my uni counsellor and he was just so supportive and helpful. So don't be afraid to ask for help in that regard.

In terms of the PGCE intensity, I did find it hard but I didn't find it as hard as people made out. I'd seen quite a few people go through the PGCE before me and they all looked so fried and upset, coming home crying all the time, it's enough to make you run away! The last couple of months are the hardest, but I feel I made them harder on myself as I became lazy so wasn't doing anything in advance anymore!

Advice on how to manage anxiety/pressure during the PGCE:
- Try very hard to stay up to date. Don't leave things until last minute. Getting your stuff planned a week in advance helps loads, and I was good with this until Easter when I did nothing all holiday :P

- DO NOT compare yourself to others!!! I can't stress this enough. There will be people who make out as if they are God's gift to teaching when remember...you haven't seen them teach! Plus everyone has such different experiences between schools. You just can't compare. It's pointless.

- However...do share tips/resources! Don't be afraid to ask your fellow course mates for advice. We shared a lot and I gained things from that. It's not a sign of weakness.

- The same goes for asking for help from uni/school. You should, in theory, have a supportive mentor and uni tutor. They should support you. I was generally unimpressed with the support from university so I relied on my school who were excellent. Don't feel needy.

- Don't panic about observations. I made myself unnecessarily ill over these. They are watching the pupils more than YOU! And even if they go terribly (I had one which was a disaster), most of the time it does not matter. It is not the end of the world. Observers want to give you helpful feedback and for the most part they are understanding of issues.

- Have fun!! Seriously, on my first placement I was so serious about everything - my planning and my targets, etc, that I feel I forgot that I am teaching 11-16 year olds (and even younger for you) and that these lessons need to be fun, for them and for me. By the end of my second placement my lessons were enjoyable for myself and the pupils. I think it is something that comes naturally with time. It is about learning that you don't always have to stick to your lesson plan to a T. It is learning to adapt from it and be more casual.


I don't really know if anything there works. I'm pretty bored so went on a bit of a rant but maybe you've fished something out. My advice would be not to wait a year. I'd face this PGCE head on. Trust me, if I can do it, you can!! I am a mess! Mental health does not determine how you will deal with the PGCE. I've seen people who seem strong as nails crack from the pressure and drop out. Go for it. Just remember to seek support and ask for help when needed.

Good luck whatever you do.

EDIT: Holy crap didn't realise how long this was. Apologies . I should sleep...

Does anyone know when you can start applying for PGCE's through UCAS for 2016 entry?

UCAS 2016 doesn't open until mid September.

Does Oxbridge applications for PGCE have to be in early as with undergraduates?

I'm afraid I honestly don't know the answer to that one, but I would think not. Look on Ucas itself or call up and check.

Thank you for the reply, and for the hints on what to expect. I do tend to do the whole "OMG I CAN'T DO THAT" initially, but thinking in small steps should help! I'm glad to hear you had a positive experience with supportive tutors, I think that makes such a difference. So glad to hear from someone else Early Years too! xxx







Thank you all for taking the time to reply. I have considered taking a year out, but unfortunately I know that my anxiety won't ever go away, it subsides from time to time but is always ready to pounce again! There is also a part of me that thinks that without my anxiety I wouldn't do as well. I will be graduating with a First despite the breakdown - makes me feel silly for stressing and panicking so much but somehow it worked! I just want to feel more in control of it, and to feel less emotionally worn out. I will certainly take your advice on speaking with a counsellor and building up coping strategies, thank you.




Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an in-depth reply, and for sharing your experience. Considering you've mentioned the difficulties, this comes across as a really positive post, while I don't know you it seems you have really benefited from your experience. I think that's what I need to focus on. You've made me look at my undergraduate degree differently too. I initially went to uni straight after A Levels but was so overwhelmed I dropped out after 5 weeks and worked for 2 years. While my anxiety definitely got stronger during my second attempt, I fought back to finish, so I must have grown stronger too. I hope that makes sense. It's so hard to see your own accomplishments most of the time. It's taken me a long time to realise that it's ok to need help and support too. Thank you so much for all of your advice. Your students will benefit so much from how supportive and empathetic you are

One last thing - What would your recommendation be for over the summer? I have made sure to schedule time in for family and friends and will be having appointments with a new counsellor, but should I be worried about reading and preparing for next year?

I'm another person asking a question about PGCE/Schools Direct...

Do the courses actually teach you how to teach (techniques, etc) or do they expect you to already have these basic teaching skills? I've seen most interviews ask you to 'teach' a 5 minute lesson to a small group. What kind of things do you learn on your PGCE?

do nothing. Absolutely nothing.Posted from TSR Mobile

I'm another person asking a question about PGCE/Schools Direct...

Do the courses actually teach you how to teach (techniques, etc) or do they expect you to already have these basic teaching skills? I've seen most interviews ask you to 'teach' a 5 minute lesson to a small group. What kind of things do you learn on your PGCE?

Thank you for the reply, and for the hints on what to expect. I do tend to do the whole "OMG I CAN'T DO THAT" initially, but thinking in small steps should help! I'm glad to hear you had a positive experience with supportive tutors, I think that makes such a difference. So glad to hear from someone else Early Years too! xxx

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. I have considered taking a year out, but unfortunately I know that my anxiety won't ever go away, it subsides from time to time but is always ready to pounce again! There is also a part of me that thinks that without my anxiety I wouldn't do as well. I will be graduating with a First despite the breakdown - makes me feel silly for stressing and panicking so much but somehow it worked! I just want to feel more in control of it, and to feel less emotionally worn out. I will certainly take your advice on speaking with a counsellor and building up coping strategies, thank you.




Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an in-depth reply, and for sharing your experience. Considering you've mentioned the difficulties, this comes across as a really positive post, while I don't know you it seems you have really benefited from your experience. I think that's what I need to focus on. You've made me look at my undergraduate degree differently too. I initially went to uni straight after A Levels but was so overwhelmed I dropped out after 5 weeks and worked for 2 years. While my anxiety definitely got stronger during my second attempt, I fought back to finish, so I must have grown stronger too. I hope that makes sense. It's so hard to see your own accomplishments most of the time. It's taken me a long time to realise that it's ok to need help and support too. Thank you so much for all of your advice. Your students will benefit so much from how supportive and empathetic you are

One last thing - What would your recommendation be for over the summer? I have made sure to schedule time in for family and friends and will be having appointments with a new counsellor, but should I be worried about reading and preparing for next year?

They'll look for potential and a passion for teaching - I very much believe that some people are more suited to teaching than others.



Don't do anything over summer. Seriously, you don't need to!

I've got some induction days next week at my new school, and whenever I think about them I feel kinda stressed and depressed, which is worrying me slightly for September. I am hoping its all related to nerves - being somewhere new, all the colleagues I have to meet, routines to learn, etc. My PGCE only finished last week, so I feel a bit resentful that I am experiencing 'stress' again so soon, even though these days *should* be exciting, and a chance to get a bit settled at the school. I feel ridiculous saying that I'm stressed about them, because I haven't even had to plan anything for them, it's all be organised by the school. I guess reality is sinking in about the step up to NQT. Please say that someone else feels something similar!

On the UCAS experience section are you allowed to put arranged experience you have yet to complete? I have 8 schools (potentially more) lined up and wanting me, but I'd struggle to fit it all in if I get offered week long placements.

Just wanted to update this, in case anyone next year reads it and is worried too, as I have finished my induction days. Just as everyone said, it was absolutely fine The staff were really welcoming, and I got used to the routines fairly quickly. It's great to have met my class already, and for them to have met me. It'll make the first few days a lot easier. Being given a key to the school really made me feel like a real teacher!

I had a bit of a fright yesterday though... one of the children got a bad whack on the head during p.e. - the group continued with their game without me telling them it was ok, and she got hit, pretty badly. Obviously she went straight to the medical room, and had a note sent home. She seemed fine at the end of the day, and I rang her Mum to tell her what happened, so she could keep an eye on her. I kept thinking about it all night, in case she has concussion, or worse. I wish I was at school today, so I could see if she was in or not. I know I'm probably way over-thinking it, but it looked like such a knock

Thank you Seems I've been given permission to put my feet up and catch up on tv!

Definitely do that. I went ages without seeing any TV this year!

Anyone else going stir crazy? My future-wife works a 9 - 5 job and annoyingly was only part time until the week in finished my pgce so I'm bored half to death. I've been knitting but now my fingers are too sore to do that for much longer ( I can't even drive so I'm stuck out in the sticks with my in-laws.



I'm definitely with you on this. Finally getting around to watching Breaking Bad! My list of things to watch over summer is huge.

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I'm the opposite! I've been working in my NQT school and teaching since June 29th, so I'm super excited to finish term tomorrow! I've bought my self a playstation 4 as a treat to myself which arrives tomorrow so I'm gonna spend summer playing games and planning my sixth form lessons!

I told my college today that there's a good chance I'll need a few days off in September and I'm so glad I told them because they were amazing about it. They were really understanding and said it wouldn't be a problem.



Off topic, but what made you decide to go for a PS4 rather than XB1? I am going to get one soon but I really don't know which one to go for.